7 Coalition Leaders Who May Want Tinubu’s Seat in 2027

As political temperatures begin to rise towards the 2027 general elections, a group of opposition leaders, rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is reportedly building momentum to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s hold on power. 

Though no one has officially declared, insiders say up to seven key figures within the coalition are being tipped or encouraged to contest.

At the centre of this development is Ralph Nwosu, a founding figure of the ADC, who recently stepped down from party leadership. Speaking to the press, Nwosu revealed that several prominent politicians across the country are being backed by various interest groups to throw their hats into the ring. 

The coalition itself, unveiled in Abuja on July 2, promises to adopt a transparent and open selection process, but speculation is already swirling about the names on the table. Here are the key political figures allegedly in the mix.

Atiku Abubakar

At 78, Atiku Abubakar remains a heavyweight in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. The former vice president is no stranger to presidential contests, having run for office multiple times since 1992. 

His supporters believe 2027 could be his final shot. Despite the cloud of corruption allegations which he firmly denies, Atiku remains a major political force, particularly in the north.

Peter Obi

The former Anambra governor has kept a loyal following, especially among young Nigerians and social media-savvy voters. Obi ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, and though he didn’t win, his movement was hard to ignore. 

Now, there’s talk that some northern elements within the ADC coalition are quietly backing him, but only for a single term.

Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai’s name has come up more frequently in recent months, especially after his exit from the APC in 2025. The ex-governor of Kaduna and former FCT Minister is said to be weighing his options carefully. Known for his controversial but bold approach to governance, El-Rufai reportedly still enjoys significant influence in northern political circles.

Rotimi Amaechi

As familiar name in Nigerian politics, Amaechi served as Minister of Transportation under Buhari and was a key figure in the 2023 APC primaries, finishing second to Tinubu. 

With a political career stretching back to his days as Rivers State Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Amaechi’s supporters believe he still has unfinished business and 2027 might be the time to finish it.

Rauf Aregbesola

Currently serving as the interim national secretary of the ADC, Aregbesola’s defection from the APC in 2025 marked a turning point in his political journey. 

The former Interior Minister and two-term governor of Osun State is being pushed by some members of the coalition to consider running for president. Whether he takes the leap is still unclear, but the support seems to be building.

Sule Lamido

Lamido is a seasoned politician who once governed Jigawa State and held the position of Foreign Affairs Minister under President Obasanjo. Now 76, the estranged PDP elder reportedly has allies within the ADC coalition who are keen on reviving his national political relevance. 

Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi

Perhaps the least nationally known among the seven, Ajadi is a medical doctor and former ADC governorship candidate in Oyo State. But he is not to be underestimated. 

According to Nwosu, a segment of the old ADC structure is lining up behind Ajadi’s candidacy, seeing in him a fresh but grounded alternative to Nigeria’s long-standing political elites.